Hey Design Dashers! It’s just US today and we’re getting real about one of the most debated topics in the design world: design agreements.
Look, we know contracts can feel like a necessary evil, but here’s our take: a solid design agreement is your BEST tool for protecting your business, your clients, and your sanity. And honestly? If you don’t have one yet… you need to fix that ASAP.
In this episode, we’re sharing our unfiltered thoughts on what makes a design contract effective, why hourly billing has been a game-changer for us, and how we’ve refined our agreement over time to keep it as concise and bulletproof as possible.
We also discuss:
– Where designers often go wrong with contracts (and how to avoid common mistakes)
– Why some clients try to fight the agreement (and the biggest red flags to watch for)
– How to make your contract work for YOU (without scaring off potential clients)
– The biggest lessons we’ve learned from our own contracts
If you’ve ever second-guessed your contract (or avoided making one in the first place), this episode is your sign. A well-written agreement doesn’t just protect you—it gives your clients peace of mind too.
Tune in now to hear our honest take and get practical tips you can apply immediately.
Oh, and we’re not done talking about this! Join us inside our Design Dash community and let’s keep the conversation going.
What’s in YOUR contract? What’s missing? Let’s discuss.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:


The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.